35th folk festival returns to Warwick

Organisers say the 35th festival, which takes place at Warwick School and around the town from July 24 to 27, is set to be the most successful yet. The headline act has been confirmed as Richard Thompson, while the event will be twinned, for the second year running, with the Cork Folk Festival in Ireland, which is bringing a delegation of musicians and storytellers from Cork.

Swedish music, with its growing reputation in the UK, will be represented by musicians from Spelmän and Dansare på Dal, while festival-goers will also be able to learn about the music of Western Ireland from Róisín Bán. Less familiar traditions will be offered by Habadekuk, winners of the 2013 Danish Folk Awards, and Na Mara, who will reveal tunes from northern Spain and France.

Other acts in the line-up include Breabach, John Tams, Barry Coope, Habadekuk Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys, Will Pound and Blackbeard’s Tea Party.

Then of course there will be the usual variety of ceilidhs, workshops, a crafts and music fair and the Panic Circus, plus colourful dance displays, pub music sessions and open air concerts in the town centre.

Festival director Dick Dixon said: “The festival has something for everyone and promises to be a superb fun-filled four-day weekend of first-class entertainment for all tastes and ages.”

To book tickets (camping available), visit www.warwickfolkfestival.co.uk